Many in hockey believe DET is frontrunner for DeKeyser but sorting/selection process starts Tuesday, may take a day or two to complete.

It seems to make the most sense. Without taking in to affect my feelings toward him coming here you have to look at the facts....

Hometown kid....Idolized the Wings growing up...Wings cannot be outbid by money or length. Wings want him bad. If he does spend some time in GR next season, his former Coach is there Head Coaching. Has a teammate at WMU (Mike McKee) that is also Red Wings property and will eventually be a teammate with him again...The fact that when he was wanting to come out last season as a Sophomore, he took the advice of Red Wings brass to return to college for one more season, so he holds Ken Holland and Jim Nill with the upmost respect. He is very good friends with Jill Nill and his son. He has spent two or three years at the Wings rookie camps, playing with guys that would eventually be his teammates...Then throw in what I was told yesterday by my buddy (thru Danny's sister) that Babcock promised him a spot in the lineup...this is just a no brainer. But, in the end the team he chooses is going to be a team he feels is the best fit for him...I just hope that its Detroit...

.If we sign him, whose spot will he take on the roster? Kronwall and Ericsson seem to be the only certainties on D. Kindl has improved out of sight, Lashoff has been way better than anyone expected. Smith remains the Great White Hope on D. Quincey hasn't been near as bad as his critics make out, White is our only other offensive D after Kronwall. That's 7. Colo is made of glass and surplus to requirements now and Huskins is little more than an injury plug so they can be discounted.

So we sign this kid, he has to bump 2 of that 7 out the line-up, and it without seeing him play, he sounds like another big-bodied defensive defenseman a' la Ericsson, Lashoff, Quincey and even Kindl as he goes through his Babcockian make-over.

Edited by Nev, 24 March 2013 - 01:15 PM.

"If I can be totally honest, it's not a lot of guys you get impressed by. Actually, it's no one else but him. From the bench, to see what move he makes -- you're like, 'I wish I could do that.' Sometimes you sit on the bench and just think, 'wow,' and you look over to the other bench and they sit there and shake their heads, too. He has great, great skills. I'm probably not going to play with another player who has the kind of skills he has." Mikael Samuelsson on Pavel Datsyuk

.If we sign him, whose spot will he take on the roster? Kronwall and Ericsson seem to be the only certainties on D. Kindl has improved out of sight, Lashoff has been way better than anyone expected. Smith remains the Great White Hope on D. Quincey hasn't been near as bad as his critics make out, White is our only other offensive D after Kronwall. That's 7. Colo is made of glass and surplus to requirements now and Huskins is little more than an injury plug so they can be discounted.

So we sign this kid, he has to bump 2 of that 7 out the line-up, and it without seeing him play, he sounds like another big-bodied defensive defenseman a' la Ericsson, Lashoff, Quincey and even Kindl as he goes through his Babcockian make-over.

Personally, I expect Quincey could return for the playoffs MAYBE, if he has surgery, he's prolly done for the year... I would feel more comfortable having a young 6'3" 200+ defenseman over an inconsistent Ian White. Colo and Huskins who cares lol

.If we sign him, whose spot will he take on the roster? Kronwall and Ericsson seem to be the only certainties on D. Kindl has improved out of sight, Lashoff has been way better than anyone expected. Smith remains the Great White Hope on D. Quincey hasn't been near as bad as his critics make out, White is our only other offensive D after Kronwall. That's 7. Colo is made of glass and surplus to requirements now and Huskins is little more than an injury plug so they can be discounted.

So we sign this kid, he has to bump 2 of that 7 out the line-up, and it without seeing him play, he sounds like another big-bodied defensive defenseman a' la Ericsson, Lashoff, Quincey and even Kindl as he goes through his Babcockian make-over.

Quincey is out basically for the rest of the regular season. I don't think it would take much to put DD ahead of White, Cola, and Huskins (and possibly Lashoff). And while Smith hasn't been scoring, he should be, and Kindl has decent offensive skills.

This was also just tweeted by McKenzie. "Some think top contenders for DeKeyser are DET, STL, ANA and EDM but multiple teams have high interest. PHI and OTT will be pushing hard too". Anaheim? Really? Hopefully we land him. I honestly don't know much about him because I really don't watch college hockey but he sounds pretty good.

Promising a rookie playing minutes is a very risky thing to do. If Babcock did this I would be shocked. My question is what is Detroit going to do with all of these players? Or if DD is picked up does that make Kindl available to trade?

This was also just tweeted by McKenzie. "Some think top contenders for DeKeyser are DET, STL, ANA and EDM but multiple teams have high interest. PHI and OTT will be pushing hard too". Anaheim? Really? Hopefully we land him. I honestly don't know much about him because I really don't watch college hockey but he sounds pretty good.

The Anaheim speculation is due to Burke trying to get him to Toronto last season & that he might be pushing for the Ducks to sign him now that he's scouting for them.

I will be super upset if he is not a Red Wing...I do not know what the decision is all about. The teams can offer him the exact same contract terms and offer him ice time. If he becomes something other than a Wing, my buddy and his girlfriend are going to have to remove me from their phones...I will be relentless in my dogging of his decision!

StL - I could have seen it, but last I remembered they didn't sign Jim Nill's son.

ANA - Brian Burke was heavily after him with Toronto. It is only fitting that he would now push for Anaheim to get him while working as a scout.

EDM - Long talented roster. He would fit in with the youngster group there. They have Wayne Gretzky and Paul Coffey making phone calls for them.

Nashville - One of his buddies from WMU got drafted to Nashville. He would be joining him. For the life of me... I can't remember which...

It's really surprising to see Tampa Bay dropping out of contenders for Danny from the looks of it. It would most likely hang on that they just secured Andrej Sustr, but I wouldn't imagine Stevie just dropping out of this race.

Also, from HFB where I got that list:

John Buccigross ‏@Buccigross 27s
I hear Detroit, Edmonton, Anaheim, St. Louis, Nashville are final 5 for Western Michigan's Dan DeKeyser. With fam in Michigan-Wings favorite

Detroit - We already know all the reasons.
StL - I could have seen it, but last I remembered they didn't sign Jim Nill's son.
ANA - Brian Burke was heavily after him with Toronto. It is only fitting that he would now push for Anaheim to get him while working as a scout.
EDM - Long talented roster. He would fit in with the youngster group there. They have Wayne Gretzky and Paul Coffey making phone calls for them.
Nashville - One of his buddies from WMU got drafted to Nashville. He would be joining him. For the life of me... I can't remember which...

It's really surprising to see Tampa Bay dropping out of contenders for Danny from the looks of it. It would most likely hang on that they just secured Andrej Sustr, but I wouldn't imagine Stevie just dropping out of this race.

Also, from HFB where I got that list:

We all know your sources are as reputable as Hudler's female friends...jk

Be hard to tell Gretzky and Coffey no...at least until you actually watch the Oilers play. I really hope him being from here makes this Parise/Suter 2.0 but we have the hometown advantage. We really can offer him top 4 minutes too, our D ain't nothing to write home about.

can somebody give me there best anology of this guy as a player. I dont know much about him. who does he play like?/ whats his style. how good is he? and what is his potentiall? i know its hard to give an answer but just rough outline would be cool.

UFA D Danny DeKeyser born in Macomb, went to De LaSalle HS. #RedWings can offer him top-4 minutes, PP time, opp. to play in front of family.

Encouraging news here...nice to see that the news I got from my buddy that Babcock said he has a spot seems to be true...Top 4 minutes sounds like a good deal for him!

Kronwall - Ericsson

Smith - Dekeyser

Kindl - Lashoff

(White/Cola/Huskins)

Top 4 minutes, PP time, Play in front of family...same amount of money and years that anyone else can offer....no brainer. But Damn! This whole process just drives me nuts!

I know other teams like Anaheim and St. Louis have probably a better chance at winning a Cup this year, but its not like (if the Wings make the right deadline and off season moves) the Wings won't have an opportunity soon to win one either. Get him here for the two year max deal and then get him re-signed long term after that! He will be top 4 here for a long LONG time! Yes, maybe not this season or next, but it does make Kindl tradable...Then again, with White and Huskins UFA's and Q to be healthy by playoffs if not then next season, we would have a VERY solid D corps going forward with no need for changes for a long time...especially with the kids ready to step in GR.

Next Season:

Kronwall - Ericsson

Smith - Dekeyser

Quincey - Kindl

(Lashoff/Cola)

...Ouelett, Sproul, Almqvist, Backman, DeHaas, Nicastro, McKee...I am sure I am forgetting others....We will be set for a long time on D and we can focus on getting a top 3 scorer here via UFA or trade and get Datsyuk signed for 4 more years...

can somebody give me there best anology of this guy as a player. I dont know much about him. who does he play like?/ whats his style. how good is he? and what is his potentiall? i know its hard to give an answer but just rough outline would be cool.

DeKeyser’s combination of size (6’3, 190 lbs), great feet and terrific shot has made NHL teams take notice. His skating is very good, but it is his footwork that separates DeKeyser from many collegiate defensemen and it’s really something to marvel at. He moves exceedingly well both in the defensive and offensive zones. The 10 or so pounds that he added over the summer has simply enhanced that attribute, making DeKeyser not only a stronger skater, but also heightening his fundamentally sound positional play as well. Where this is particularly evident is in his ability to contain players and limiting spaces on the ice.

Another attribute that has gotten the attention of NHL teams is DeKeyser’s shot. He possesses a very powerful and remarkably accurate shot. It isn’t often that his shots miss the net. While he can score goals himself, DeKeyser’s shots aren’t always to score but rather to create rebounds that can be difficult to control.

DeKeyser can be seen playing on the Broncos’ top defensive pairing, alongside junior Luke Witkowski (TB). He logs upwards of 25-30 minutes per game, playing in all situations. He has played in all 36 games for Western Michigan to date, posting 13 points (five goals, eight assists). DeKeyser’s plus-11 currently ranks third on the Broncos roster.

DeKeyser projects to be more of a two-way defenseman due to his great offensive ability and equally stellar defensive ability.

I hope this helps you out a bit, it's from the Hockey's Future website...that was from 2012.

Dan DeKeyser was the most coveted available collegiate free agent last season and that hasn’t changed this season. Among the teams heavily pursuing him are the Calgary Flames, the Detroit Red Wings and the Tampa Bay Lightning. DeKeyser opted to return to Western Michigan this season in large part due to the impending (and eventual) NHL lockout. His return has greatly benefited not only his Broncos team but his overall development, as well. To date, DeKeyser has played in 33 games, posting 15 points (two goals, 13 assists). He logs nearly 30 minutes of ice time per game playing alongside senior Luke Witkowski (TBL) as part of one of the nation’s most dominant defensive pairings.

The Clay Township, MI native has blossomed into one of college hockey’s top rearguards. And while he is a defensive defenseman, DeKeyser is by no means the stay-at-home type. He is very mobile, plays intelligently in all three zones, and can be seen jumping into plays when opportunities present themselves. At 6’3” and 198 pounds, DeKeyser has a good frame and one attribute that has had scouts clamoring to get glimpses of him is how well he uses that frame. DeKeyser uses his size, strength and tenacity quite effectively in wearing down opposing players and taking away time and space. This is particularly evident in his excellent play along the boards. DeKeyser is an agile skater with terrific feet and great balance. He moves equally well going north-south and east-west. His skating and feet also allow him to make smooth transitions and make the right plays. One attribute that sets DeKeyser apart from many other collegiate defensemen is his ability to control the tempo of the game. He sees the ice really well and possesses great hockey sense. His decision-making has continually improved with quicker and smarter reads and reactions. DeKeyser possesses a powerful shot and can get shots to the net. He has great hands and moves the puck exceedingly well, too.

can somebody give me there best anology of this guy as a player. I dont know much about him. who does he play like?/ whats his style. how good is he? and what is his potentiall? i know its hard to give an answer but just rough outline would be cool.

Jim Nill's impression of DeKeyser:

“He's a character player, great family background, great size, range, moves the puck well, a very good skater for a big man,'' Nill said. “He's solid all-around defensively. Not a big point-producer. He knows the game well, plays within his limitations.

“He's hard to beat one-on-one because of his range, his reach and his skating ability.''

Hockeys Future:

With 30 NHL teams pursuing him, Dan DeKeyser has become the hottest commodity on the collegiate free agent market this season. And it’s not hard to see why. Two NHL teams that have shown some of the greatest interest in the Broncos rearguard are the Detroit Red Wingsand the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Clay Township, MI native began making a name for himself with Western Michigan last season as an excellent mobile, puck-moving defenseman. This season, he has taken his development to a whole new level and that has had NHL teams clamoring to get glimpses of him.

DeKeyser’s combination of size (6’3, 190 lbs), great feet and terrific shot has made NHL teams take notice. His skating is very good, but it is his footwork that separates DeKeyser from many collegiate defensemen and it’s really something to marvel at. He moves exceedingly well both in the defensive and offensive zones. The 10 or so pounds that he added over the summer has simply enhanced that attribute, making DeKeyser not only a stronger skater, but also heightening his fundamentally sound positional play as well. Where this is particularly evident is in his ability to contain players and limiting spaces on the ice.

Another attribute that has gotten the attention of NHL teams is DeKeyser’s shot. He possesses a very powerful and remarkably accurate shot. It isn’t often that his shots miss the net. While he can score goals himself, DeKeyser’s shots aren’t always to score but rather to create rebounds that can be difficult to control.

DeKeyser can be seen playing on the Broncos’ top defensive pairing, alongside junior Luke Witkowski (TB). He logs upwards of 25-30 minutes per game, playing in all situations. He has played in all 36 games for Western Michigan to date, posting 13 points (five goals, eight assists). DeKeyser’s plus-11 currently ranks third on the Broncos roster.

DeKeyser projects to be more of a two-way defenseman due to his great offensive ability and equally stellar defensive ability.

Although with the HF Analysis, I would say that his offensive side is not that stellar. He isn't known to being an offensive player, way more stay at home. His biggest quality would most likely be his smooth skating. For how big he is (6'3" ~210-200) he can really move smoothly around the ice. His skating used to be pretty... rough.. but he made some great improvements coming into his junior year.

We all know your sources are as reputable as Hudler's female friends...jk

Be hard to tell Gretzky and Coffey no...at least until you actually watch the Oilers play. I really hope him being from here makes this Parise/Suter 2.0 but we have the hometown advantage. We really can offer him top 4 minutes too, our D ain't nothing to write home about.

Yes, but it was probably also hard to tell Chris Chelios no as well, but Suter did. And Suter grew up knowing Chelios with his uncle playing with Chelly for a bit and both being Wisconsin Alum....I am sure Danny D can pass on Gretzky and Coffey. Both of whom, if asked, would have nothing but praise for the Red Wings organization. Coffey for obvious reason, and Gretzky has already said he think Zetterberg is the best player in the world...

Lets not get too sure about this until it happens. Detroit's future is f***knows, Edmontons is possible Dynasty.

Possible....they have a lot of young stars now, but soon enough they are going to have Cap issues. Hall and Eberle's $6M cap hit each kicks in next season. Gagne is an RFA, Paajarvi is an RFA...Yakopov, Hopkins and Schultz are all due up in 2 to 3 years as well and will ALL get raises upwards of $5M+...it's going to be tough to have the same team in two years as they do now...